Help with Tropical Fruit ID

dho1655December 14, 2006

While I was on the Big Island a couple of weeks ago I bought some delicious tropical fruit at the Hilo farmer's market & they are known as 'Abili' (sp?). I tried to google it when I get back but found nothing. Can anyone tell me what the botanical name is?

Beesnfruit is correct. It is abiu, Poutertai caimito. Mine bears fruit through much of the year, but does not ripen during the winter months. Most of the fruits have one to three large seeds, and all of them grow readily. There are probably named varieties, but all of the plants I have seen have been seed grown. They are self pollinating, so one tree will bear. Mine grow in very moist (soggy) soil, and have numerous flowers on the branches, most of which I thin out to avoid the branches breaking under the weight of the fruits. It makes wonderful ice cream too! Your ID says that you are in Zone 10, so they should grow for you too.